Chapter 13 - Mislead's Plan
Inside Hogwarts Library later that day
"We do apologies for the fact that you weren't able to see the messengers better, in a way even we wanted to take a closer look." Harry said to Twilight.
"It would have been possible if it wasn't for the overprotective guard mode of the robots." Commented Ron.
"Things would have however gone out of control since too many students started to bump into one another." Hermione commented finishing her homework.
"It is all right; at least we managed to take a small glimpse of them." She said smiling.
"Too bad it was so short and not much." Ron commented.
"Curious to know is what kind of message Professor Dumbledore received from them." Harry said.
"We will probably be informed much later. Hopefully it wouldn't be something that the radicals might use to involve you-know-what." Ron said pointing to Harry's essay regarding a specific dark creature that he fears the most.
"God forbids." Harry commented finishing his essay, which in reality it wasn't something he enjoyed writing, the books give an accurate description about them, but one thing is to know, when one is faced with the real deal it is something worst then what any book could tells about, he also introduced things from his own experience in the essay.
"I know." Twilight said and though for a moment regarding the attacks and the problem with the Dementors of New Azkaban. "Harry after you finish could you give me the book I really wish to know about dementors."
"You know it isn't something you would enjoy reading Twilight." He said.
"I know but I wish to learn more about them, at my old school the teacher really neglected some things." She said to take a deep breath.
"All right, but just for you to know, what the book tells you wouldn't like it. And when you experience in flesh it is much worst." Harry said finishing his essay and giving the books to Twilight whom she immediately jumped in reading everything that was written, and barely passing the first 4 rounds and the description was already giving her chills. From what she could tell the old changelings weren't that dangerous compared to the dementors or some other things like the Tantabus because unlike Tantabus they don't provoke nightmares they make people remember and relive their most tragic, sorrowful events in life and you aren't able to break away from them while a dementor is around. However the thing that made her really uncomfortable and worried was the Kiss, she couldn't imagine how it might be and wouldn't want to know. By what Harry could tell he already knew that she wasn't very comfortable by what she was readying.
"I believe that you already don't like what they could do." Harry said and Twilight closed the book.
"I really wish that they wouldn't be used under in any circumstances." She said, before feeling Harry's hand over hers.
"Let's hope it wouldn't be the case." He said.
"Let's hope that the situation will improve so that it wouldn't be." Hermione said resuming her lecture.
"Same for me if the problem is only with a small group who wants to provoke the others." Ron commented. Twilight then took another look at the book and thought what might come next. 'I hope the proposal will be accepted. I can't imagine what might come if Dementors will be brought in.'
Back at the Castle of Friendship
The rest of the main 6 alongside Cadence and Shining Armor were waiting for the results of this endeavor, many were in that moment stressed regarding how things might have gone. They know that the wizards and the robots wouldn't attack unless provoked. But still with the attacks that were happening they don't quit know how they will do in this case.
"Hope Fluttershy and Applejack managed to reach the castle without problems and that the robots weren't too much a trouble." Rarity said stressed.
"They will not do anything unless provoked; problem would be who knows what could happen on the road there." Starlight said.
"Let's hope that the letter will be taken in consideration by Professor Dumbledore, otherwise Mislead will go on to do his things unrestrained." Rainbow Dash said.
"That would be the last thing we want." Spike said before the door opened for Fluttershy and Applejack to enter the main room with the headmaster's reply.
"So did it worked?" Spike asked.
"Everything went well; Professor Dumbledore will try to consult with the governors and other officials regarding letting them on this field trip." Fluttershy said.
"Let's hope they will approve." Said Starlight.
"And by the way did you saw how Twilight and the others are?" Rarity asked.
"We saw them, barely." Said Applejack.
"Oooh, the robots were formed in an honor guard style for you while others that were behind them were looking for the students and weren't allowing them to approach or see you." Pinkie Pie said hyperactive.
"Was that so?" Asked Rarity.
"Yeah, it was like this. They surrounded us in an honor guard positions with the weapons at the ready. But behind them there were robots with their backs turned that were preventing curious students from approaching or seeing us, always saying 'nothing to see here', 'go back to your usual stuff' and so on and that when we wanted to enter inside. They don't even let us see them, on the other hoof some students out of curiosity were telling them to let them see us, and they were rejected. When we were leaving more students have gathered some were attempting to bunch up to take a glimpse of us and they were forced back."
"Not even we are so well protected, as you were." Cadence commented.
"Some students even asked to only look but they motivated that it is for their safety. And eventually I told them to stop this but Professor McGonagall ordered them to let them see us." Fluttershy said.
"If this is the way how they protect officials and leaders of their own and of the others I don't think I want to be in their place." Applejack commented.
"So a real annoyance they are." Pinkie said.
"Let's think of this in a reasonable way, they wouldn't apply those severe ways if they don't have a reason. I mean it is a boarding school full of children, what parent would want their children in danger especially with those attacks." Shining Armor said.
"Still not even letting them watch is really too much." Applejack said.
"True but have you managed to see Twilight?" Asked Cadence.
"I managed for a bit she was with Harry, Hermione and Ron but they turned away back inside, after McGonagall ordered the guards to let the students watch." Fluttershy said.
"Turn back when they were allowed at last, why?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"They were at the far end of the whole mass of students from all years. Even if the ones at front were calm and nice since they are at last allowed to see us, the ones in the back were trying to make way as well, some bumping into one another to take a better look while others had binoculars. They probably saw us but after seeing things could go out of control they turned back to don't make the situation worst." Applejack explained.
"Many surely were disappointed." Spike said.
"And from what it seems they aren't afraid of us but they see us with fascination and curiosity. Only the people at the top are overcautious and probably afraid of incidents that could result in misunderstanding." Applejack commented.
"In our dimension they came from outer space, for them, meeting new species is either always normal or fascinating. And to think I had the opportunity to impress them." Rainbow Dash said.
"And me to make them laugh to escape from monotony." Pinkie commented in sadness.
"I doubt the robots would have let you do that anyways." Spike said.
"Problem is next however, they are looking to us with fascination and curiosity for the moment, but if Mislead and his gang continue with their actions they will look at us in a total opposite way." Rarity said.
"And we only told Dumbledore that those acts are the doing of bandits, in theory it is the most part of the truth." Applejack commented.
"This is a good answer but it would be only for the moment if we want the wizards to come we should at least keep the attacks as low as possible or at least to suspend attempts for a longer time if we can't stop them at the moment." Shining Armor said.
"Strange fact however is that there hasn't been any attacks this week, High Winds told me that there hadn't been any 'gatherings' for this purpose since Princess Celestia approved our proposal." Rainbow said.
"I really wonder why, Cruel Deed always makes vain promises that he wouldn't hesitate to take them head on if 'they attack'." Shining Armor said.
"By how much real information we know, Mislead surely is planning something, something that will surely be in a way to keep him in position and might help them continue their deeds." Rarity said.
"That might be, but for now let's get the answer to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, we will see what Mislead is up to a bit later." Starlight said.
Canterlot, Mislead's mansion
Having residence in a capital city always brings advantages and lots of stuff especially if one has a position that gives high status like advisors for a powerful person like the rulers of Equestria. Mislead is no exception however unlike others he isn't doing things without gaining as much things for himself. The apartments he has were between the most luxurious, not to mention the fact that he during discussions with his collaborators he was prepared with the best and expensive dishes. His collaborates also had the most comfortable and expensive stuff as well, one must do things with the money he is gathering.
"I can see your problem very well Cruel Deed. But this is only a temporary setback." He said calmly.
"You do realize if those students are brought before the Princesses everything will go into jeopardy, we will lose everything." Said the Pegasus with frustration.
"Not to mention the fact that our collaborators from all around Equestria will not be very satisfied many would try to leave us if they find out about the truth." Snake Tongue said.
"I am aware of everything you don't need to tell me twice." He said taking a slip from his wine.
"If that is so then why you are so calm in those circumstances?" Asked Cruel Deed.
"The students would come only in Canterlot and Ponyville?"
"Yes, but you asked this already last week, and you told me to stand down." Cruel Deed said.
"That is because I was busy during the week. You thought that I had been idle, no. The students would come only in Ponyville and Canterlot, but the rest of Equestria is off limits for them. And our collaborators aren't just in Canterlot, we have all around." He said with an evil smirk.
"Care to tell us more?"
"I sent Smooth Talk and you Snake Tongue to delay any publication regarding this decision by the Princess. Gifts and tips aren't just out of good will, plus some coins always can guarantee something to be solved. Not to mention the fact that small mistakes by removing and adding could lead to some misinterpretations." He said.
"I see." Said Cruel Deed smiling with satisfaction.
"As for the clubs, giving some leaflets and brochures furthers the success to make already existing members to not complain to what we do. Plus there is something to be known, those human wizard colonists are from different human nations. And the Princess of Friendship is only with one group, the British not the others who are wide open to our 'businesses." He said with an evil smile.
"I see however there is another problem with princess Twilight, what could we do in her case, she and her friends have allies outside like the yaks, changelings, dragons and so forth whom might be in contact with those groups. Strange is the fact that they are nowhere to be seen."
"This is a good thing, because without them for a time they wouldn't have support to tell Celestia and Luna of the situation and so we will exploit this to the maximum. Besides I always thought of King Thorax as a naïve and easily to influence always seeing the good in things even if it is only mere decoration, he doesn't compare to old Chrysalis. What do you think of Lord Ember, Cruel Deed."
"A soft dragon I could say less, while Prince Rushford is a brute when angered, yet what about the Hippogriffs and Griffons."
"Mount Aris and the Hippogriffs are too far away and the Griffons without something to be proud off, they are nothing plus they are easily to be bribe they wouldn't try anything, especially if we still use the tactic of keeping them and the society ignorant, by not allowing their messages to reach either them or the princesses if we are vigilant to intercept them." He said.
"You really deserve the name my friend." Smooth Talk said entering the room to sit near them.
"Thank you, but keep your sweet words for when necessary Smooth Talk, the art of disseverment for some of the rich fools and noble snobs like Blueblood aren't to be wasted on congratulating." He said with a smirk.
"I am sorry for that." He replied smiling before taking a bite from a delicious apple. "But you really are and will remain a master on misleading the high society and the royals to bind to our will. Especially when you use this 'new threat' that just appeared." He said turning to Pegasus.
"By the way Cruel Deed, how are the wizards, the humans, how much 'threat do they pose to Equestria'."
"No threat, easily to scare especially during the night it seems that they aren't very fond of the night raid and of our activities. And their guards…just a joke recently, they aren't where they must be and if they are they are very few." He said in confidence but also followed by spite and hatred. "I can't understand why those moving metal things are even employed."
"Great threat, hard to scare, fight and plunder like savage, no joke when doing the duty of going there to spoils their plans for the safety for Equestria." Snake Tongue reformulated.
"A perfect proposition Snake Tongue this will do great, gentle colts, time to make our move once again." Mislead said giving a toast to go forwards. However they weren't aware for a bit that someone spied on them, it was a Changeling disguised as a vase outside.
"Cruel Deed your mission when the students arrive in the winter Holydays will be to make some night attack, before the sun will be raised in the sky, so to make them weary. And if they send a squad of their guards, try to convince the Diamond Dogs to rob the jewel store in Ponyville try to use bribing." Mislead said.
"What if they don't accept?" The red Pegasus then placed a small vile on the table.
"This vile contains a powerful drug that could cause hallucinations and confusion if ingested. It is very powerful, if they refuse the money or the gems, give this and say that it is a gift to put in their meal. Once they eat it the effect will be immediate and you can put them to rob the jewelry."
"I don't think it will be enough there has to be another way? If we thinking of the possibility of their guards coming by at one point." Smooth Talk said while the Unicorn rubbed his chin still calmly acknowledging this possibility.
"Hmm, good one this observation in this case I believe there could be another better idea." Mislead said with a Machiavellian thought turning to a bookcase and opened a wardrobe where he was keeping smuggled forbidden books and pulled out one with a green cover to open it at a page for a specific spell.
"He-he-he this one might be enough to portray them, in the worst light possible." Mislead said giving it to.
"Creating clones? This will replace the clubs and royal guards that find out about the truth."
"Or we augment them, however in this case, we shall only use clones for this spectacle, since we will need good pictures to be posted in our newspapers. Cruel Deed do we have a willing unicorn to do it?"
"Yes I have one, and it wouldn't be a problem since he is glory seeker. His name is Shining Star member of a club, not native to Ponyville however."
"It doesn't matter; if Ponyville wouldn't be on our side we will isolate it what is important is Canterlot and the other cities and towns. If our influence is 80 to 90% of Equestria what matters a small town. Despite the school of friendship there is one thing to it, it doesn't have Human Wizards, they will come here only for a demonstration, like is in all cases with school visits, so one day isn't making trouble." He explained and the others smirked.
"You really are a genius, you know." Snake Tongue with a smirk.
"Those are only the aspects of pulling the strings of power and running the show in the way for us to have success." He said with an evil smile, he didn't told anyone but he learned those things from a human book whom he kept in a drawer and also some notes whom he made. "Who needs magic, when one can pull the strings of politics? It is much more easier then how the foolish Princess of Friendship is doing."
"None have tried till now we have to agree. But how come that you don't need to use magic you are a Unicorn?" Said the Earth Pony.
"That's the thing I am a Unicorn and a user of magic, but what I found out is that magic is only a tool, how you use that tool is important because it can be countered and what you can do with it is limited. Some creatures like Pegasus and Earth Ponies can't use it but can do their jobs without it. Unicorns however are mostly dependant on it, but it is only a tool especially the most powerful spells. How powerful they are, aren't as important as how one uses them and when."
"Such a deep thought." Cruel Deed said.
"And this is how are we going to use the magic in order for us to achieve our goals." He said to them lifting his glass of wine and each gave a toast. "Gentle colts it's time to put our plan in motion."
"To success and victory." Cruel Deed said while outside the changeling that had listened hearing everything turned back to normal and immediately went outside to tell his king of what he found out.
"And to sweet justice." Cruel Deed said with satisfaction.
"Don't worry my friend, justice shall be served for your brother. You just need to have patience; you know it is a virtue." Mislead asked.
"The more I wait the more I desire it." Said the Pegasus in anger, recalling a bad memory.
"I wonder why your other 2 siblings didn't wanted to join us, you know High Flyer and Good Wind."
"He would have, but somehow he had grown into a different pony, easily forgiving, when they shouldn't."
"Yet they still regard you as a brother, why don't you communicate with them Heavy Wind?" Smooth Talk asked with a sly smile only to be given a venomous glare from him.
"Don't call me that, that pony vanished after Trick Hoof died." He said with anger.
"Channel your anger to be used better then and forget that old name, just like you said he disappeared. Remember only your new one and your call sign." Mislead said taking a sip from his drink, for him not only magic was only a tool for but also ponies like Cruel Deed, by real name Heavy Wind and for call sign Brave Heart. The thing that he uses is his anger towards the wizards that he harbors a feeling best suited for his means.